Doppler Effect Calculator

Source Approaching Observer

Source Frequency (Hz)

Source Velocity (m/s)

Observer Velocity (m/s) — toward source

Speed of Sound (m/s) — default 343

Source Receding from Observer

Source Frequency (Hz)

Source Velocity (m/s)

Observer Velocity (m/s) — away from source

Speed of Sound (m/s) — default 343

Formula

f' = f₀ × (v ± vₒ) / (v ∓ vₛ), where f₀ is source frequency, v is speed of sound (343 m/s), vₒ is observer velocity, vₛ is source velocity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Doppler effect?

The Doppler effect is the change in observed frequency of a wave when the source or observer is moving. An approaching source produces a higher frequency; a receding source produces a lower frequency.

What happens if the source moves faster than sound?

When the source exceeds the speed of sound, it creates a shock wave (sonic boom). The standard Doppler formula does not apply in that regime.

You may also need

Refractive Index Calculator

Free refractive index calculator. Apply Snell's law n1×sin(θ1) = n2×sin(θ2) to find refraction angle and check for total internal reflection.

Science

Pendulum Calculator

Free pendulum period calculator. Compute the period and frequency of a simple pendulum using T = 2π√(L/g).

Science